Porto manager Julen Lopetegui says new goalkeeper Iker Casillas has the enthusiasm of a 20-year-old and has had an immediate impact at the club.
The veteran goalkeeper and former Real Madrid captain left Los Blancos last month after 25-years to move to the Estadio de Dragao – a switch that paves the way for David de Gea’s arrival at the Santiago Bernabeu.
The World Cup winner made an instant impact this weekend as he saved a penalty in the shootout win over Valencia in a friendly.
And speaking after the win, Casillas’ new boss Lopetegui said: “He is a player that comes with experience. He has arrived at the club with the enthusiasm of a 20-year-old lad. He has come to a big club and we are all going to benefit from his enthusiasm.”
The World Cup and European Championship winner also spoke to reporters after the game and said he’s delighted with his move so far.
“I am very grateful to the fans. Now I will try and repay that love with more good performances and victories for Porto. The team was fine defensively, we had a lot of the ball and we’re happy. It’s good to win in the pre-season and pick up a winning mentality,” he commented.
